What are LDL, HDL, and VLDL?
LDL, HDL and VLDL are the names of the three major varieties of lipoproteins. LDL stands for “low density lipoprotein;” HDL for “high density lipoprotein;” and VLDL for “very low density lipoprotein.” In the bloodstream, “bad” cholesterol is carried in LDL, “good” cholesterol is carried in HDL, and triglycerides are carried in VLDL. Most cholesterol in the blood comes from LDL. Only a small proportion is from HDL cholesterol. Thus, the total cholesterol level in the blood is usually a reflection of the amount of LDL cholesterol. Why are high cholesterol levels bad? When LDL cholesterol levels (i.e., the “bad” cholesterol) are too high, the LDL tends to stick the lining of the blood vessels, leading to the stimulation of “atherosclerosis,” or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerotic “plaques” cause narrowing of the arteries, and lead to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, elevated LDL cholesterol levels (and, since most cholesterol is from LDL, elevated total cholesterol levels) is
